If you feel like you’re struggling to understand conversations at work or when dining out at Main Street Kitchen & Bar, it may be a sign you have high-frequency hearing loss.
This type of hearing loss affects your ability to hear higher-pitched sounds, including most speech.
Risk Factors for High-Frequency Hearing Loss 
Anyone can develop high-frequency hearing loss. However, several factors may increase your risk, such as:
- Aging
- Repeated exposure to loud noise
- Certain genetic conditions
- Ototoxic medications that can damage the ear
- Meniere’s disease
How to Know if You Have High-Frequency Hearing Loss
If you have high-frequency hearing loss, speech will often sound muffled to you. You might have particular trouble with higher-pitched voices, such as those of women and children. Additionally, understanding phone conversations or being able to hear in louder environments might seem especially difficult.
In addition to speech, you might notice that other higher pitched sounds such as birds chirping, or your phone beeping are harder to hear.
Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss
It’s important to schedule a hearing test at the first sign of any problems. Left untreated, hearing loss can negatively affect many aspects of your life. You may start to feel more easily stressed or fatigued at work because you have to put in extra effort to understand what is being said. Your personal relationships may suffer due to misunderstandings and trouble communicating. Hearing loss can even lead to health issues such as:
- Increased levels of anxiety and depression
- Balance problems and a higher risk of injury from falls
- Increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia
Hearing Aids Help with High-Frequency Hearing Loss
The good news is that hearing aids are an effective treatment for most forms of hearing loss, including high-frequency hearing loss.
Modern hearing aids come in a variety of styles and sizes and have the ability to connect to other technology. Your audiologist will work with you to discover your preferences and individual needs. Together you will find a pair of custom hearing aids that provides a quality listening experience and helps you to communicate with others confidently.
Take the first step towards improving your hearing health and call Valley Audiology today to schedule an appointment.
